GB2511122A - Combined vacuum and blower device - Google Patents

Combined vacuum and blower device Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2511122A
GB2511122A GB1303357.6A GB201303357A GB2511122A GB 2511122 A GB2511122 A GB 2511122A GB 201303357 A GB201303357 A GB 201303357A GB 2511122 A GB2511122 A GB 2511122A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
vacuum
blowing
unit
inlet
outlet
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1303357.6A
Other versions
GB201303357D0 (en
Inventor
Martin Bremner
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
TRAFALGAR CLEANING EQUIPMENT Ltd
Original Assignee
TRAFALGAR CLEANING EQUIPMENT Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by TRAFALGAR CLEANING EQUIPMENT Ltd filed Critical TRAFALGAR CLEANING EQUIPMENT Ltd
Priority to GB1303357.6A priority Critical patent/GB2511122A/en
Publication of GB201303357D0 publication Critical patent/GB201303357D0/en
Publication of GB2511122A publication Critical patent/GB2511122A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
    • A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
    • A47L5/14—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum cleaning by blowing-off, also combined with suction cleaning
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01H—STREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
    • E01H1/00—Removing undesirable matter from roads or like surfaces, with or without moistening of the surface
    • E01H1/12—Hand implements, e.g. litter pickers
    • E01H1/1206—Hand implements, e.g. litter pickers for picking up excrements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G20/00—Cultivation of turf, lawn or the like; Apparatus or methods therefor
    • A01G20/40—Apparatus for cleaning the lawn or grass surface
    • A01G20/43—Apparatus for cleaning the lawn or grass surface for sweeping, collecting or disintegrating lawn debris
    • A01G20/47—Vacuum or blower devices
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01H—STREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
    • E01H1/00—Removing undesirable matter from roads or like surfaces, with or without moistening of the surface
    • E01H1/006—Specially adapted for removing excrements
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01H—STREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
    • E01H1/00—Removing undesirable matter from roads or like surfaces, with or without moistening of the surface
    • E01H1/08—Pneumatically dislodging or taking-up undesirable matter or small objects; Drying by heat only or by streams of gas; Cleaning by projecting abrasive particles
    • E01H1/0863—Apparatus loosening or removing the dirt by blowing and subsequently dislodging it at least partially by suction ; Combined suction and blowing nozzles

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Catching Or Destruction (AREA)

Abstract

A combined vacuum and blower device for simultaneously blowing leaves and collecting animal faeces comprises a vacuum unit 2 and a blowing unit 3. The vacuum unit 2 comprises a vacuum inlet 4 for directing animal faeces in a vacuum direction 5 from the outside of the vacuum unit 2 to the inside of the vacuum unit 2 and the blowing unit 3 comprises a blowing outlet 6 for directing air out of the blowing unit 3 in a blowing direction 7. The blowing direction 7 is preferably at an angle to the vacuum direction 5.

Description

COMBINED VACUUM AND BLOWER DEVICE
The present invention relates to devices for collecting waste, in particular to devices for collecting animal faeces.
The collection of animal faeces from parks and gardens is a problem faced by many local authorities and dog owners throughout the UK and worldwide. If faeces are not collected, they pose not only a nuisance, but also a serious health risk. This is especially the case for areas where young children play and on sports fields where there is a high chance of coming into contact with uncollected animal faeces.
Whilst various methods have been proposed for the safe and efficient collection of animal faeces, these methods suffer from many drawbacks. For example, whilst dog owners are encouraged to collect their pet's faeces with carrier bags, this is not very pleasant. In addition, designated areas such as dog toilets quickly become unpleasant. For this reason, several devices for collecting animal waste have been devised and these include both mechanical jaw assemblies and vacuum devices.
A particular complication associated with collection of animal faeces from outdoor spaces is that the animal faeces are often difficult to see amongst the other items which may be found on the ground. For example, if there are lots of leaves it may not be possible to see and then collect animal faeces located under the leaves. This problem is not solved by the various known methods and devices in existence. For example, whilst a vacuum device is useful for collecting animal faeces, it does not discriminate between animal faeces and leaves.
Accordingly, whilst such a device will be able to collect unseen animal faeces, it will do so at the same time as collecting a large number of leaves. This means that the device not only fills up very quickly, but also means that the collected material is a messy mixture of leaves and animal faeces. Clearly, this is not a desirable outcome.
It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to seek to alleviate the above identified problems.
SUMF"IARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a combined vacuum and blower device for simultaneously blowing leaves and collecting animal faeces comprising a vacuum unit and a blowing unit, wherein the vacuum unit comprises a vacuum inlet for directing animal faeces in a vacuum direction from the outside of the vacuum unit to the inside of the vacuum unit; and the blowing unit comprises a blowing outlet for directing air out of the blowing unit in a blowing direction.
The present invention, therefore, allows for leaves to be cleared from an area to reveal the location of animal faeces which can then be immediately collected into the vacuum unit.
Preferably, the blowing direction is at an angle to the vacuum direction.
Preferably, the blowing direction is at an angle to the vacuum direction when viewed from above the device.
Preferably, the blowing direction is at an angle of between about 10 degrees and about 80 degrees to the vacuum direction, preferably between about 10 degrees and about 70 degrees, preferably between about 10 degrees and about 60 degrees, preferably between about 20 degrees and about 50 degrees, preferably between about 20 degrees and about 40 degrees, most preferably about 30 degrees.
Preferably, the blowing unit comprises a blowing inlet through which air enters the blowing unit and a motor for drawing air into the blowing unit through the blowing inlet and blowing air out of the blowing unit through the blowing outlet.
Preferably, the motor powers both the blowing unit and the vacuum unit.
Preferably, the vacuum unit comprises a vacuum outlet through which air exits the vacuum unit, the vacuum outlet being connected to the blowing inlet of the blowing unit.
In this way, the motor of the blowing unit draws air into the vacuum unit through the vacuum inlet, through the vacuum unit and out of the vacuum unit through the vacuum outlet into the blowing unit through the blowing inlet. The motor then blows said air out of the blowing unit through the blowing outlet.
Preferably, the vacuum unit and the blowing unit are connected via an elongate member.
Preferably, the elongate member is a tube.
Preferably, the elongate member is rigid, for example in the form of a rigid tube.
Alternatively, the elongate member is flexible, for example in the form of a flexible hose.
Preferably, the vacuum unit comprises a filter for preventing animal faeces drawn into the vacuum unit from exiting via the vacuum outlet.
Preferably, the vacuum unit comprises a storage area for storing collected animal faeces.
Preferably, the vacuum unit comprises a motor for drawing air into the vacuum unit through the vacuum inlet.
Preferably, the vacuum inlet comprises a nozzle.
Preferably, the vacuum outlet comprises a nozzle.
Preferably, the blowing inlet comprises a nozzle.
Preferably, the blowing outlet comprises a nozzle.
Preferably, the vacuum outlet is engageable with the blowing inlet to form a connection between the vacuum unit and the blowing unit.
Preferably, the vacuum unit comprises a bag for storing collected animal faeces.
Accordingly, it will be appreciated that in another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bag for a device as described herein.
Preferably, the bag comprises a neck portion for extending through and wrapping around the outside the vacuum inlet.
Preferably, the bag comprises a perforated section.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Example embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which Figures 1 to 3 show perspective, front and top views of a device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a device of the present invention; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a device of the present invention; and Figure 6 shows a schematic cross section view of the device shown in Figures 1 to 3.
The present invention relates to devices for the simultaneously blowing leaves and collecting animal faeces. The present invention allows for leaves to be cleared from an area to reveal the location of animal faeces which can then be immediately collected into the vacuum unit.
Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention.
Within this specification, the term "about" means plus or minus 20%, more preferably plus or minus 1O%, even more preferably plus or minus S%, most preferably plus or minus 2%.
With reference to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown a combined vacuum and blower device 1 for simultaneously blowing leaves and collecting animal faeces. The device 1 comprises a vacuum unit 2 and a blowing unit 3.
The vacuum unit 2 comprises a vacuum inlet 4 for directing animal faeces in a vacuum direction S from the outside of the vacuum unit 2 to the inside of the vacuum unit 2.
The blowing unit 3 comprises a blowing outlet 6 for directing air out of the blowing unit in a blowing direction 7.
With particular reference to Figure 3, the blowing direction 7 is at an angle x of about 30 degrees to the vacuum direction 5 when viewed from above the device.
With reference to Figure 6 which shows the internal detail of the device shown in Figures 1 to 3, the blowing unit 3 comprises a blowing inlet 8 through which air enters the blowing unit 3 and a motor 9 for drawing air into the blowing unit 3 through the blowing inlet S and blowing air out of the blowing unit 3 through the blowing outlet 6.
The motor 9 powers both the blowing unit 3 and the vacuum unit 2. In this respect, the vacuum unit 2 comprises a vacuum outlet 10 through which air exits the vacuum unit 2. The vacuum outlet 10 is connected to the blowing inlet 8 of the blowing unit 3. In this way, the motor 9 draws air into the vacuum unit 2 through the vacuum inlet 4, through the vacuum unit 2 and out of the vacuum unit 2 through the vacuum outlet 10 into the blowing unit 3 through the blowing inlet 8. The motor 9 then blows said air out of the blowing unit 3 through the blowing outlet 6.
In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4, the vacuum unit 2 and blowing unit 3 are directly connected together via the vacuum outlet 10 and blowing inlet 8.
For example, the vacuum outlet 10 and blowing inlet 8 may be secured together using any number of known securing means. In one example, the vacuum outlet fits within the blowing inlet and is secured with adhesive.
In an alternative embodiment, shown in Figure 5, the vacuum unit 2 and blowing unit 3 are separated by a tube 11. In the embodiment shown, a straight rigid tube is used, however, it will be appreciated that the tube may be non-linear, for example S-shaped, or that the tube may be flexible.
In embodiments wherein the vacuum unit 2 and blowing unit 3 are separated by a tube 11, the vacuum outlet 10 is connected to one end of the tube 11 and the blowing inlet 8 is connected to the other end of the tube 11. In this way, the motor 9 draws air into the vacuum unit 2 through the vacuum inlet 4, through the vacuum unit 2 and out of the vacuum unit 2 through the vacuum outlet 10 into the tube 11 and out of the tube 11 into the blowing unit 3 through the blowing inlet 8. The motor 9 then blows said air out of the blowing unit 3 through the blowing outlet 6.
As shown in Figure 6, the vacuum unit 2 comprises a filter 12 for preventing animal faeces drawn into the vacuum unit 2 from exiting via the vacuum outlet 10.
The vacuum unit comprises a storage area 13 for storing collected animal faeces.
In some embodiments, the vacuum unit 2 comprises a motor (not shown) for drawing air into the vacuum unit 2 through the vacuum inlet 4. The motor of the vacuum unit may be provided in addition to, or instead of, the motor in the blowing unit 3.
The vacuum inlet 4 and blowing outlet 6 are each provided with a nozzle 15, 16.
In preferred examples, the vacuum unit 2 comprises a bag (not shown) for storing collected animal faeces. The bag comprises a neck portion for extending through and wrapping around the outside the vacuum inlet. This allows a user to collect animal faeces into the bag and to then remove the bag from the device for disposal without coming into contact with the animal faeces and without the animal faeces coming into contact with the device.
The bag may, for example, comprise a number of perforations to allow air to pass through it and to maintain movement of air through the vacuum unit and into the blowing unit.
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications are covered by the appended claims.

Claims (18)

  1. CLAIMS1. A combined vacuum and blower device for simultaneously blowing leaves and collecting animal faeces comprising a vacuum unit and a blowing unit, wherein the vacuum unit comprises a vacuum inlet for directing animal faeces in a vacuum direction from the outside of the vacuum unit to the inside of the vacuum unit; and the blowing unit comprises a blowing outlet for directing air out of the blowing unit in a blowing direction.
  2. 2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the blowing direction is at an angle to the vacuum direction.
  3. 3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the blowing direction is at an angle to the vacuum direction when viewed from above the device.
  4. 4. A device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the blowing direction is at an angle of between about 10 degrees and about 80 degrees to the vacuum direction.
  5. 5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the blowing unit comprises a blowing inlet through which air enters the blowing unit and a motor for drawing air into the blowing unit through the blowing inlet and blowing air out of the blowing unit through the blowing outlet.
  6. 6. A device according to claim 5, wherein the motor powers both the blowing unit and the vacuum unit.
  7. 7. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the vacuum unit comprises a vacuum outlet through which air exits the vacuum unit, the vacuum outlet being connected to the blowing inlet of the blowing unit.
  8. 8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the vacuum unit and the blowing unit are connected via an elongate member, preferably wherein the elongate member is a tube.
  9. 9. A device according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the vacuum unit and the blowing unit are connected together directly.
  10. 10. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the vacuum unit comprises a filter for preventing animal faeces drawn into the vacuum unit from exiting via the vacuum outlet.
  11. 11. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the vacuum unit comprises a storage area for storing collected animal faeces.
  12. 12. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the vacuum unit comprises a motor for drawing air into the vacuum unit through the vacuum inlet.
  13. 13. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the vacuum inlet, vacuum outlet, blowing inlet and/or blowing outlet comprises a nozzle.
  14. 14. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the vacuum outlet is engageable with the blowing inlet to form a connection between the vacuum unit and the blowing unit.
  15. 15. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the vacuum unit comprises a bag for storing collected animal faeces.
  16. 16. A bag for a device according to any preceding claim.
  17. 17. A bag according to claim 16, comprising a neck portion for extending through and wrapping around the outside the vacuum inlet.
  18. 18. A device substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.
GB1303357.6A 2013-02-26 2013-02-26 Combined vacuum and blower device Withdrawn GB2511122A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1303357.6A GB2511122A (en) 2013-02-26 2013-02-26 Combined vacuum and blower device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1303357.6A GB2511122A (en) 2013-02-26 2013-02-26 Combined vacuum and blower device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201303357D0 GB201303357D0 (en) 2013-04-10
GB2511122A true GB2511122A (en) 2014-08-27

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ID=48092082

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1303357.6A Withdrawn GB2511122A (en) 2013-02-26 2013-02-26 Combined vacuum and blower device

Country Status (1)

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GB (1) GB2511122A (en)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3959846A (en) * 1975-05-19 1976-06-01 Haruma Yasuda Rotary vacuum sweeper improvement
US20060018722A1 (en) * 2004-07-21 2006-01-26 Tasker Donald R Gas powered variable speed hopperless vacuum
DE102007056336A1 (en) * 2006-12-05 2008-06-12 Andreas Stihl Ag & Co. Kg Manually guided blower for use in collecting yard materials e.g. leaves, has several micro-switches that are actuated, when attachments are secured to intake and discharge openings of housing
US20080307602A1 (en) * 2007-06-14 2008-12-18 Positec Power Tools (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. Device
CN201228349Y (en) * 2008-06-03 2009-04-29 宁波和而思电器有限公司 Hand pulling type foliage pressure-vacuum machine
GB2464356A (en) * 2009-01-20 2010-04-21 Cixi City Best Power Tools Co Leaf blower-vacuum apparatus with nestable blower pipe and detachable wheel

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3959846A (en) * 1975-05-19 1976-06-01 Haruma Yasuda Rotary vacuum sweeper improvement
US20060018722A1 (en) * 2004-07-21 2006-01-26 Tasker Donald R Gas powered variable speed hopperless vacuum
DE102007056336A1 (en) * 2006-12-05 2008-06-12 Andreas Stihl Ag & Co. Kg Manually guided blower for use in collecting yard materials e.g. leaves, has several micro-switches that are actuated, when attachments are secured to intake and discharge openings of housing
US20080307602A1 (en) * 2007-06-14 2008-12-18 Positec Power Tools (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. Device
CN201228349Y (en) * 2008-06-03 2009-04-29 宁波和而思电器有限公司 Hand pulling type foliage pressure-vacuum machine
GB2464356A (en) * 2009-01-20 2010-04-21 Cixi City Best Power Tools Co Leaf blower-vacuum apparatus with nestable blower pipe and detachable wheel

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201303357D0 (en) 2013-04-10

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